James Hansen is a retired NASA climatologist who has often described himself as a moderate conservative. But along with a few other climate scientists, he has become embroiled in the PR battle between fossil fuel interests and scientific reality, making him a frequent target for right-wing rage and disinformation campaigns. Over the weekend an on air interview was published reviewing his concerns and detailing his personal motivation to remain loyal to the facts and data he and his cohorts have slowly uncovered over decades of careful work:
“How did I get dragged deeper and deeper into an attempt to communicate the gravity and the urgency of this situation? More grandchildren helped me along. Jake is a super positive, enthusiastic boy. Here at age 2 and a half years, he thinks he can protect his two and a half day old little sister. It would be immoral to leave these young people with the climate system spiraling out of control.
So now you know what I know that is moving me to sound this alarm. Imagine a giant asteroid on a direct collision course with Earth. That is the equivalent of what we face now, yet we dither taking no action to divert the asteroid. If we'd started in 2005, it would have required emission reductions of 3 percent per year to restore planetary energy balance and stabilize climate this century. If we start next year, it is 6 percent per year. If we wait 10 years, it is 15 percent per year - extremely difficult and expensive, perhaps, impossible. But we aren't even starting.”
Concern over the fate of future generations is nothing new for the renowned scientist. Dr. Hansen has written extensively on climate change and the need to act. One of his most thorough treatments is the book Storms of my Grandchildren, which was reviewed on Daily Kos back when it was first published.